Brooklyn residents grateful for tornado cleanup help

Many residents say they are grateful to the volunteers and city agencies that have pitched in to help in the aftermath of this week?s tornado.

Most residents say they are lucky to have the support from their neighbors and local agencies. They were also glad large piles of debris had been cleared away.

Some homes and buildings are still deemed unsafe by the Department of Buildings, but some residents are being let into their homes to retrieve items and assess the damage.

The Red Cross is housing at least 50 families forced out of their homes. Officials say those residents have been moved from temporary shelters and into hotels. Caseworkers say they plan to continue to offer their services for the next few days.

State Sen. Martin J. Golden ensured the state and federal government will be involved in getting residents back on track. He says FEMA and the state Emergency Management Office will be in the area Monday to further assess damage. He hopes more funding will be approved to help the community.

A mobile insurance unit will be set up this weekend at the Bay Ridge Community Center to help residents file claims.

Click to watch more on insurance efforts

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